Bolivia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It's nice to spend a few days in La Paz, but the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular and mighty enticing. Nearby you have the opportunity to climb some of the highest peaks in the world, bike down one of the most dangerous roads in the world, golf in one of the highest courses in the world, or ski down one of the highest slopes in the world.
Climbing, Hiking & Trekking
If you're serious about climbing, you should check out Club Andino on Calle México 1638 (tel. 0102/2312-875 or 0102/2324-682; Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm and 3-7pm). The staff here can help arrange treks and climbs as well as recommend the best outfitters and guides.
Bolivian Journeys, Sagárnaga 363 between Linares and Illampu (tel. 0102/2357-848; www.bolivianjourneys.org), is one of the most experienced climbing and hiking outfitters and organizes trips up the 5,990m (19,647-ft.) Huayna Potosí. Also try Alberth Bolivia Tours (tel.591/2245-8018; www.hikingbolivia.com).
Futbol (Soccer)
Four teams play year-round at Estadio Hernando Siles in Miraflores. There are games most every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday. You can buy tickets on game day at the stadium. Prices range from Bs10 to Bs25. To get here, just hop on any trufi with a sign marked ESTADIO in the front window, or take a taxi.
Golf
The 18-hole, 6,900-yard Mallasilla La Paz Golf Club (tel. 0102/2745-462), about 15 minutes outside of La Paz, is considered to be one of the highest golf clubs in the world. Greens fees are Bs550 per person plus Bs80 for equipment and Bs80 for a caddie. Crillon Tours, Av. Camacho 1233 (tel. 0102/2337-533, or 305/358-5353 in the U.S.), can arrange golf packages.
Mountain Biking
Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking, Av. 16 de Julio 1490 (tel. 0102/2313-849; www.gravitybolivia.com), is by far the best biking outfitter in Bolivia. They specialize in the 64km (40-mile) descent from La Paz to Coroico along the most dangerous road in the world. The road is narrow, unpaved, crowded with trucks, and carved out of a cliff. Be careful: In 2001, a woman died here when her brakes snapped. Make sure your bike is in good condition. Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking also arranges rides to Sorata and the Zongo Valley.
Wrestling
Las Cholitas Luchadores, or the Fighting Cholitas, are a WWE-style wrestling organization that operates in a small stadium in El Alto. In the approximately 2 1/2-hour "show," you'll see half a dozen matches between men and between women and men. The men's costumes are outlandish, while the women perform in traditional Andean dress. It's a fun Sunday afternoon, and lasts from approximately 5 to 7pm. You can book through Andean Secrets (tel. 591/2249-0160; www.cholitaswrestling.com) or hostels such as Adventure Brew (www.theadventurebrewhostel.com). The price tag of Bs80 includes transport, entrance, front-row seating, snack, bathroom tickets, and a small souvenir.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.